Five Things We Learnt From the Opening Weekend of the Premier League

After what has seemed like an eternity Premier League football is back, putting an end to talk about how awful England were in the World Cup, for four years at least.

Stadiums full of dedicated fans watched as shiny new kits were displayed by exciting new signings, beginning what will be a year of joy or heartbreak, depending on who you support.

Here are five things we have learnt from the opening weekend of the best league in the world.

5. Leicester Are Back

Leicester City have returned to the Premier League after 10 years in the lower tiers of English football.

They faced a stubborn Everton side on the opening day, but showed that they mean business as they came from behind twice to rescue a point.

New signing Leonardo Ulloa made an immediate impact, prodding home from eight yards, just 22 minutes into his competitive Leicester debut.

He will be vital for the Foxes this season as they look to beat the drop with a side containing only four players with Premier League experience.

Judging by their first performance, Nigel Pearson's side may be aiming for more than just survival.

4. Mark Noble Isn't the Perfect Penalty Taker

West Ham began their season with a tough test against Spurs, a side they beat three times last season.

Many predicted Spurs to see off their London rivals, but no one predicted the Hammers talisman to miss his first penalty in five years.

Kevin Nolan saw his shot on goal blocked by the arms of Kyle Naughton and the Tottenham defender was rightly dismissed.

Mark Noble stepped up, as he always does, to take the spot kick, but sent his effort wide of the post.

"I don't think I have ever missed the target," confessed Noble. "I have had a couple saved, but never missed completely and that is a criminal offence."

The Hammers went on to lose 1-0 to an injury time goal, but it was a promising start for Sam Allardyce's side.

3. Southampton Have Nothing to Worry About

After a huge summer fire sale at St Mary's, many Saints fans were pessimistic about their chances this season and some even mentioned relegation.

However, that is certainly not the case.

Ronald Koeman's side took the game to Liverpool on Sunday and were unlucky to go away without at least one point.

New signings Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle looked at home from the off, Tadic assisting his side's goal with a beautiful back-heel.

Although they didn't pick up any points, Southampton will no doubt enjoy a very decent season once again as they seem to have replaced a number of good players with even more exciting talent.

2. There Is a New S.A.S

When Luis Suarez bit Liverpool in the backside and left for Barcelona this summer, it appeared that the Reds would be left with a toothless front line.

However, Sunday's game against Southampton proved that they can still score goals.

As mentioned above, the Saints really made it difficult for Brendan Rodgers' side, but Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge bagged a goal each, reigniting the sort of partnership we saw last season with Sturridge and Suarez.

Although Liverpool will struggle to replicate their performances of last season, they proved that they can still score goals.

1. David Moyes Was Not the Problem

Manchester United were awful last season, that cannot be disputed. What has been up for debate, however, is how much of that was down to David Moyes. Judging by Saturday's opener against Swansea, not a lot.

Louis van Gaal's side looked, played and ended up like David Moyes' side last season, as they slumped to defeat against the Swans.

United's real problem is in their squad and it is a miracle that Sir Alex Ferguson and his backroom staff managed to win anything with the players he had at his disposal.

It is admirable that van Gaal plans to give every player a chance and this will certainly mean a few hiccups along the way. However, it simply highlights how David Moyes' failures last season were not down to David Moyes at all.